Installing updates

[Luis Ortega]

When I got my new MBP a few days ago, one of the first things it did was try to install a large number of updates from the internet.
At the time, I refused since I was just getting to know the computer and didn't want to change things.
Now I have ordered the main software that I will run on it- FCP Studio 2 and CS3 Master Collection.
I know from Windows that sometimes intalling updates creates problems with instability or compatibility with installed software, so I was wondering two things:
Is it a good idea to allow the Mac to update whatever it wants?
Is it better to do the updates first and then install the new software or will it make no difference?
Thanks for any advice.

 

[ivi7]

Is it a good idea to allow the Mac to update whatever it wants?
Is it better to do the updates first and then install the new software or will it make no difference?
Thanks for any advice.

Yes you don't loose anything by updating your MAC. And some of the security updates are a must.
It shouldnt make a differnce all though I would advice you to update the MAC before installing all the softwares you need on it.

 

[bijou]

What works for me: repair permissions using Onyx before installing major software (including major updates), install software, then repair permissions again afterwards. Have never had a problem upgrading to anything because of this (this goes for ppc and intel Macs).

Also, don't use the automatic downloader for software. Go to http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/, select the appropriate DL and get it from there.

 

[Luis Ortega]

What works for me: repair permissions using Onyx before installing major software (including major updates), install software, then repair permissions again afterwards. Have never had a problem upgrading to anything because of this (this goes for ppc and intel Macs).

Also, don't use the automatic downloader for software. Go to http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/, select the appropriate DL and get it from there.

Thanks. Is Onyx part of OSX?
Why would you repair permissions before installing something?
I don't understand your second paragraph. If I don't use the automatic downloader for the updates, how would I know which updates to look for?

 

[statikcat]

Just look at what the updates are. A revision update that takes you from say 10.4.6 to 10.4.10 could effect applications negatively. Usually if the version you are updating to has been out for awhile you will be fine. In general updating is fine. Some users will not update Quicktime that do video as it can cause bugs in the system if it is not a stable release. Apple released a shatty QT version awhile back that gave a lot people issues and was not compatible with some software for awhile. I wouldn't really worry about these things unless you make a living off your Mac and the software on it. Otherwise a few hickups from software is not a big deal.

 

[bijou]

Onyx is free:
http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/11582

On Repairing Permissions in OS X:
http://www.macworld.com/2006/08/secrets/repairpermissions/index.php
http://guides.macrumors.com/Repairing_Permissions

Your MBP is brand new, I'm going to assume it has at least 10.4.9 on there. If you go to the page I linked in my first reply, the link to 10.4.10 is on the right.

Or, just download straight from update. It's up to you.
At the least, don't update your other major software until OSX has been completely updated.

 

[rosh325]

Another piece of advice, check the forums after a released update. As a windows user, I was trained to immediately install all new updates, but I've had airport updates kill my wifi. Uninstalling updates is much harder to do in OS X vs. Windows so it never hurts to see how others are being affected by the update.